The labyrinth of the invisible

🐾 Allergies in dogs: getting out of the maze

Entering the world of allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities in dogs is like falling into Alice in Wonderland's hole.
Wherever you look, there are doors, signs, theories… and no clear way out.

Is it the chicken? Is it the flour? Is it the feed? Or is it the stress?

Meanwhile, your dog is scratching. He has loose diarrhea. Or he's just not feeling well at all.

I'm not a veterinarian. But as a craftswoman and observer, I've been with dozens of sensitive dogs from the kitchen.
And in this article, I want to tell you, without fuss or clichés, what can really help you find the way out.

🚫 What to avoid (and why)

Because it's not just about reading labels... it's about understanding what really affects your dog.

🥣 Oats

It has a reputation for being mild, but it's still a grain. And while it doesn't contain gluten, it does contain avenin, a protein that can cause inflammation in dogs with digestive or skin sensitivities.

👉 At Woof Natural, we don't use it. Not because it's trendy to avoid grains, but because in dogs with reactive skin, it's better to remove it from the start.

🍗 Industrial chicken

Chicken isn't a bad ingredient. The problem is that it's overused and highly processed, especially in commercial feed and snacks.
It becomes a common allergen not because it is harmful, but because the body becomes saturated with it.

👉 When in doubt, removing the chicken is one of the first tests I recommend.

🌽 Soy, corn, wheat and by-products

Present in many products as "cheap filler".
They do not provide anything functional and can cause gas, chronic inflammation or skin reactions.

👉 Many dogs aren't seriously allergic. They're just reacting to a diet that doesn't respect them.

🧪 Artificial colors and preservatives

Many "natural" snacks still hide additives with long, harmless-sounding names.
But a sensitive dog's body already has enough on its plate without burdening it with more.

👉 With sensitive dogs, less is more. Simple is calming.

🥕 Carrot

I only use it dehydrated or in powder form, and in small quantities.
Raw or in large pieces, it can cause gas or be difficult to digest.
Additionally, although it is low in fat, its natural sugar can affect dogs with digestive or metabolic sensitivities.

👉 This is how you take advantage of its value without overloading the digestive system.

🍠 Sweet potato (yes, but with balance)

It's an excellent alternative if well-cooked. But in excess, starch can feed unwanted bacteria in dogs with dysbiosis or intestinal problems.

👉 In my recipes, sweet potato is just another functional ingredient, not the center of everything.

🧴 Excess of "good" supplements and oils

Coconut oil, salmon oil, green powders, probiotics, algae… it all sounds ideal.
But more isn't always better. An inflamed system needs calm, not a storm of new stimuli.

👉 At Woof Natural, we use functional ingredients, yes. But always in balance. I don't add ingredients for the sake of trend or marketing, but with real intention. Less, but better.

🍌 "Safe" fruits... but not always ideal

Fruits like bananas, apples, or blueberries may seem harmless.
But in sensitive dogs:

• Banana can cause fermentation and gas
• The apple can be irritating if not prepared well.
• Excess blueberries can disrupt transit

👉 That's why I use them dehydrated and in small doses, as a decoration or symbolic extra. Never as the base of a sensitive formula.

✅ What to do (and why)

Because it's not just about eliminating... it's about accompanying with meaning.

🧘♀️ 1. Start by observing, not acting

Before you change everything, stop. Look.
– When does itching appear?
– What have you eaten in the last few days?
– Has there been any change in your environment?

👉 Often it's not the food. It's that snack from the park. Or that same old cookie.

🧹 2. Simplify your diet

Fewer ingredients = more clarity.
The cleaner the formula, the easier it is to detect if something is wrong with it.

👉 That's why formulas like Woof Total+ Sweet or DermaCare They can help you: not because they are a miracle, but because they are designed not to get in the way.

🕰 3. Give your body time

Don't expect results in 24 hours.
Give it 5-10 days of observation before adding more changes.

👉 If you introduce three new things at once, you won't know which one helped... or which one made things worse.

💧 4. Take care of the invisible too

The skin is part of the immune system. And the immune system doesn't live on food alone.
Stress, changes in routine, even your own energy… all of these things have an impact.

👉 That's why I believe so much in mindful moments of care. It's not just what you give. It's how you give it.

✨ 5. Trust your intuition

If something doesn't convince you, don't give it.
Just because a green label says so doesn't mean it's going to look good on you.

👉 Your dog doesn't need a fad diet. He needs something his body understands, and something you can comfortably support.

🩺 When to consult the veterinarian

While this natural approach can help a lot, there are times when it is important to seek professional help:

• If symptoms are severe or worsen rapidly
• If there are open wounds from excessive scratching
• If symptoms such as persistent vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite appear
• If after 2-3 weeks of conscious changes there is no improvement

👉 A good veterinarian and a natural approach can work together. They're not opposites; they're complementary.

🌿 I'll close with this...

I don't have all the answers.
I only have this small workshop, my way of looking at things, and the certainty that caring doesn't always mean complicating things.

Sometimes what helps a dog with allergies or sensitivities the most,
is that someone observes it. Listens to it.
And give him something made with intention, not in a hurry.

If you're looking for a simpler, more realistic, and more conscious way to keep your dog company...
Here's a kitchen that thinks like you.

Do you need personalized help for your sensitive dog?

Every dog ​​is unique, and sometimes you need a more specific look to find the path that works best for them.

Explore our formulas designed for sensitive dogs or contact me if you need more personalized guidance. I'm here to guide you through this process.

With love,
Esther